DEAR DR. ROACH: Nine days ago, I had a medical procedure under general anesthesia. One of the lines was put in the artery in my left wrist. Aside from deep bruising that went halfway up my forearm, it seems that there is some nerve damage. I have constant pain from my thumb, through my wrist, and up to about 3 inches on my arm. Overnight, the pain becomes intense and radiates all the way up to my shoulder.
Tylenol and an arthritis sleeve only provide minimum relief. Should I request to see a neurologist, or is there another type of doctor to seek out for a diagnosis? This has become life-altering, and I’m hoping it will eventually be healed. — B.F.
ANSWER: I suspect that the bruising on your forearm was caused by bleeding from the puncture site of the artery in your wrist. (This type o